Elderly cat changing habits

[perpetuallybewildered]

She's always been a quiet wee thing, doesn't seem to wander far from home and spent a lot of time sleeping in the house. A few months ago she peed on an armchair a couple of times, it's ruined. This was a first, she had never peed anywhere but outside or in a litter tray which we used if we were going to be away overnight. Then two weeks ago she did it again! On my bed!!

I've no idea why she would do this, she isn't ill and has regular checks at the vet. Since that time she has hardly come into the house, I've had to leave food outside for her.

Any ideas about what the problem could be? I'm worried about her staying out as the weather changes.

When you say elderly, how old is she? And has she been to the vets since the last incident?

She is 14 and had her check up the day it happened coincidentally although I didn't discover it till later.

Cats normally do this when highly stressed or unwell. I wonder if there is another cat in her territory which is frightening her? Is she out now out of choice or because you are worried she will wee indoors?

Do you have a litter tray around all the time or just when you're away overnight?

I haven't noticed any other cats around SirVix. I want her to come back into the house but she has only come in a couple of times and almost immediately wanted back out again.

Cozie only on the occasional times we're away but that's what she's been used to all her life.

I think you should try having a litter tray inside at all times. It sounds as if that's why she's staying out now, if there is nothing else wrong with her.

Do you have a cat flap? If so I wonder if you had an unwanted visitor! Has anything changed inside that might have spooked her?